Sports channel ESPN is reporting that veteran Trevor Ariza is making his way back to the L.A. Lakers on a one-year deal.
Ariza, 36, according to ESPN, has always been a steady presence as a defensive-minded forward who can attempt open 3-pointers at a solid rate, which could be his role with the Lakers.
Last season, Ariza, who has Turks and Caicos Islands roots, appeared in 30 games for the Miami Heat and made 35 percent of his threes on 4.8 attempts a game.
He started 27 of the 30 regular season games he played in, averaging 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steal per game.
Ariza initially made his debut for the purple and gold in the latter stages of the 2007-08 season. He then played all 82 games in 2008-09 and played a key role in the franchise’s title that season.
Returning to play for the Lakers, Ariza is hoping for some deja vu during the 2021-22 campaign. As a member of the 2008-09 Lakers, he was part of a roster that ended up winning the NBA title.